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Bulgaria gives about 46 weeks of paid maternity leave and New Zealand is moving to 22 weeks. The U.S. federal government does not guarantee any paid time off after the birth of a baby. But the is a silver lining is that states are allowed to create laws for such paid parental leave and Illinois currently offers four weeks. Leaders such as, Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, whose recent pregnancies have received much attention, are moving the conversation forward. As Illinois women, we have a golden opportunity to march towards policy change in our state.

Here are four steps women can take to support and improve the family leave policies in Illinois:

1. Identify the advocacy groups in Illinois that are working on expanding maternity leave and decide how you can support them.

2. Identify the legislators that would support such a move and engage them in conversation on their thoughts of expanding paid maternity leave in Illinois.

3. Hold a town hall to educate the voters on the trends globally and around the country on maternity leave.

4. Finally, be part of drafting a legislative initiative in conjunction with legislators and advocacy groups. They are always looking for new ideas.

Legislative victories are won by building coalitions and identifying clear goals. Women understand that they should never have to choose between their earning potential and obligations as a parent. For many, the protection of pay is a necessity. Women also understand the value of bonding time between child and parent. All progressive societies should value work and family life equally. If one is out of balance, there is dysfunction in the same societal structures we want to protect the most. Women can be the key voice in bringing this balance to the women and families of Illinois.